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The Birthing Tree
From the internationally bestselling author of The Berry Pickers: a powerful, intensely moving novel of family and legacy, following one woman as she confronts buried truths and the fragile future she alone must protect.
As I stood under it, looking up into the branches, listening as the wind rustled the leaves, I could hear my Kiju’s voice: “This tree holds our stories.”
Born under the shadow of a tree sacred to generations of Indigenous women, Aliet has been brought up outside a small Nova Scotia town by her fierce, loving grandmother, Kiju. Her father remains a mystery no one will name, while her mother died under that very tree, gently held by its cradle of roots as Aliet came into the world.
But the world beyond their community is changing, and although Kiju has a wealth of wisdom to share, local women are increasingly reluctant to follow traditional birthing rituals. At the local hospital, white doctors are sceptical of Indigenous practices, and Aliet and Kiju are distraught to witness as prejudice turns to condemnation.
Decades later, Aliet is living a quiet life in the city while she grapples with a personal tragedy that has shaped her adulthood. She works as a nurse, administering modern medicine while still holding her grandmother’s teachings and stories dear, tucked beside memories of the tree that once welcomed new life. But when Kiju passes away suddenly, grief-stricken Aliet understands that she must return to the it is only these roots that can help her reconnect with her heritage, and discover long-buried secrets about herself.
Sweeping and intimate, spanning decades, The Birthing Tree follows one woman’s journey to protect her land, her traditions, and the memory of the women who came before her, as she decides which parts of her inheritance she will carry into the future.
As I stood under it, looking up into the branches, listening as the wind rustled the leaves, I could hear my Kiju’s voice: “This tree holds our stories.”
Born under the shadow of a tree sacred to generations of Indigenous women, Aliet has been brought up outside a small Nova Scotia town by her fierce, loving grandmother, Kiju. Her father remains a mystery no one will name, while her mother died under that very tree, gently held by its cradle of roots as Aliet came into the world.
But the world beyond their community is changing, and although Kiju has a wealth of wisdom to share, local women are increasingly reluctant to follow traditional birthing rituals. At the local hospital, white doctors are sceptical of Indigenous practices, and Aliet and Kiju are distraught to witness as prejudice turns to condemnation.
Decades later, Aliet is living a quiet life in the city while she grapples with a personal tragedy that has shaped her adulthood. She works as a nurse, administering modern medicine while still holding her grandmother’s teachings and stories dear, tucked beside memories of the tree that once welcomed new life. But when Kiju passes away suddenly, grief-stricken Aliet understands that she must return to the it is only these roots that can help her reconnect with her heritage, and discover long-buried secrets about herself.
Sweeping and intimate, spanning decades, The Birthing Tree follows one woman’s journey to protect her land, her traditions, and the memory of the women who came before her, as she decides which parts of her inheritance she will carry into the future.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2026
About the author
Amanda Peters
3 books2,708 followersAmanda Peters is a writer of Mi’kmaw and settler ancestry. Her work has appeared in the Antigonish Review, Grain Magazine, The Alaska Quarterly Review, the Dalhousie Review, and filling station magazine. She is the winner of the 2021 Indigenous Voices Award (IVA) for unpublished prose and a participant in the 2021 Writers Trust Rising Stars program. Amanda has a certificate in creative writing from the University of Toronto and she is a graduate of the Master of Fine Arts program at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe New Mexico. Amanda is an Associate Professor in the Department of English and Theatre at Acadia University. She lives and writes in the Annapolis valley Nova Scotia with her fur babies Holly and Pook.
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September 4, 2026
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The Book Review Crew Blog
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Birthing Tree
Amanda Peters
Publication Date: September 1st, 2026
HarperCollins Canada | Harper Perennial
304 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction
This book was just over 300 pages, and it was epic. It's historical fiction that is very character-driven. It's set in Nova Scotia and it's about an Indigenous woman who was born under a birthing tree, a sacred oak where many generations have given birth. In Aliet's case, her mother died giving birth to her while a storm raged on. Aliet's grandmother, Kiju, raised her. She is a traditional midwife in the community and taught Aliet the way of Indigenous medicine. There is a lot of prejudice from outside the community, so the old ways of traditional midwifery were criminalized. Aliet turns her back on the tradition, leaves home, and becomes a nurse of modern medicine.
When her grandmother dies many years later, Aliet goes back home and starts to restore the house she grew up in. Aliet finds there are many family secrets along the way, including the mystery of her mother's death and her father's identity—not to mention the local orchard secrets that people have been trying to keep a lid on.
I enjoyed reading about the Mi'kmaq way of life and their traditions, especially midwifery. The author did a great job showing Aliet's confusion and the push and pull she feels between her heritage and the modern world. I was so happy Aliet reclaimed her heritage and learned to be proud of it.
There is a lot of generational trauma in the backstory, and it just goes to show that keeping secrets helps no one. The story is very emotional and atmospheric. The writing is wonderful, and what I liked most about it was the connection between community, the land, and one's heritage. The birthing tree in the title is like a character itself, bringing women together in an almost magical way.
The dual timelines move well between Aliet's upbringing by her fierce grandmother in the 1960s and her return home in the 1990s. It added so much more emotion to the plot knowing Aliet as a child, making finding the buried secrets feel that much more important.
Peters writes the different relationships among the women in a realistic way, with tiny details that make a big difference and feel very emotional at heart. This was a powerful read, but not the in-your-face kind; it's beautifully written as a tribute to identity, legacy, and family history. An excellent piece of literary fiction I won't soon forget. I haven't read The Berry Pickers yet, but I do have it on my shelf and am looking forward to it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Goodreads ratings reflect reader demographics and
popular enthusiasm rather than objective literary merit.
The Book Review Crew Blog
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Birthing Tree
Amanda Peters
Publication Date: September 1st, 2026
HarperCollins Canada | Harper Perennial
304 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction
This book was just over 300 pages, and it was epic. It's historical fiction that is very character-driven. It's set in Nova Scotia and it's about an Indigenous woman who was born under a birthing tree, a sacred oak where many generations have given birth. In Aliet's case, her mother died giving birth to her while a storm raged on. Aliet's grandmother, Kiju, raised her. She is a traditional midwife in the community and taught Aliet the way of Indigenous medicine. There is a lot of prejudice from outside the community, so the old ways of traditional midwifery were criminalized. Aliet turns her back on the tradition, leaves home, and becomes a nurse of modern medicine.
When her grandmother dies many years later, Aliet goes back home and starts to restore the house she grew up in. Aliet finds there are many family secrets along the way, including the mystery of her mother's death and her father's identity—not to mention the local orchard secrets that people have been trying to keep a lid on.
I enjoyed reading about the Mi'kmaq way of life and their traditions, especially midwifery. The author did a great job showing Aliet's confusion and the push and pull she feels between her heritage and the modern world. I was so happy Aliet reclaimed her heritage and learned to be proud of it.
There is a lot of generational trauma in the backstory, and it just goes to show that keeping secrets helps no one. The story is very emotional and atmospheric. The writing is wonderful, and what I liked most about it was the connection between community, the land, and one's heritage. The birthing tree in the title is like a character itself, bringing women together in an almost magical way.
The dual timelines move well between Aliet's upbringing by her fierce grandmother in the 1960s and her return home in the 1990s. It added so much more emotion to the plot knowing Aliet as a child, making finding the buried secrets feel that much more important.
Peters writes the different relationships among the women in a realistic way, with tiny details that make a big difference and feel very emotional at heart. This was a powerful read, but not the in-your-face kind; it's beautifully written as a tribute to identity, legacy, and family history. An excellent piece of literary fiction I won't soon forget. I haven't read The Berry Pickers yet, but I do have it on my shelf and am looking forward to it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Goodreads ratings reflect reader demographics and
popular enthusiasm rather than objective literary merit.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was so excited to receive an arc of Amanda Peters’ new book because I had enjoyed The Berry Pickers.
The focus is on holding onto the threads that connect us to our past and Peters reminds readers of the risk of losing a connection to our heritage; the ripple effects run through generations. She encourages us to live boldly AND keep our traditions.
Aliet Paul was raised in Nova Scotia by her grandmother and taught the Mi’kmaq medicinal wisdom. When her grandmother dies, Aliet returns to her hometown and is devastated when she discovers the extent of restoration needed. Aliet sets aside her journey toward modern medicine and rebuilds Kiju’s home and focuses on restoring the Mi’kmaq traditions under the birthing tree. Trauma may have pulled her on a different trajectory, but her love of her heritage pulled her home and gave her the strength to reconcile a broken heritage.
I appreciated reminders about:
🌳Choosing love over hate
🌳Sharing knowledge
🌳The danger in lies of omission
🌳Living with grief
🌳Belonging and purpose
As much as I enjoyed The Berry Pickers, I feel that this one will spend more time in the spotlight! It’s worthy of the silver screen and will resonate with a wider audience. The examination of what happens when we stop serving our purpose kept me spellbound.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
The focus is on holding onto the threads that connect us to our past and Peters reminds readers of the risk of losing a connection to our heritage; the ripple effects run through generations. She encourages us to live boldly AND keep our traditions.
Aliet Paul was raised in Nova Scotia by her grandmother and taught the Mi’kmaq medicinal wisdom. When her grandmother dies, Aliet returns to her hometown and is devastated when she discovers the extent of restoration needed. Aliet sets aside her journey toward modern medicine and rebuilds Kiju’s home and focuses on restoring the Mi’kmaq traditions under the birthing tree. Trauma may have pulled her on a different trajectory, but her love of her heritage pulled her home and gave her the strength to reconcile a broken heritage.
I appreciated reminders about:
🌳Choosing love over hate
🌳Sharing knowledge
🌳The danger in lies of omission
🌳Living with grief
🌳Belonging and purpose
As much as I enjoyed The Berry Pickers, I feel that this one will spend more time in the spotlight! It’s worthy of the silver screen and will resonate with a wider audience. The examination of what happens when we stop serving our purpose kept me spellbound.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Read
June 2, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the world through Aliet Paul's young - and later middle-aged - eyes. I first encountered the roots of this story in Amanda Peters' collection of short stories: Waiting for the Long Night Moon. Lat year I missed the boat on requesting the ARC for Waiting for the Long Night Moon. I remember at the time thinking that the short story on which The Birthing Tree novel is based would have made a riveting novel - and I was so right!
I loved The Birthing Tree : that ending was downright touching - and thoroughly appropriate! Totally full circle! Ben and Sally (I can hear her laughter even now!) became real friends to me and I was always happy when they reappeared in Aliet's life in this story.
The mystery of who Aliet's father could possibly be had me turning the pages late into the night. Aliet was suitably shocked when she learned the truth, but I began to suspect the truth by the midway point. Everyone who loved Aliet had wanted to protect her from the heartbreaking truth.
I'm rating this lyrical, visually and emotionally captivating novel 5 out of 5 glowing stars, even in its uncorrected proof format. Can't wait to read the final version of this book once it is published on September 1, 2026! My thanks to the author, Amanda Peters, her publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. I Absolutely Loved it!
HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
I had already read the ebook when I was granted a copy oft he audiobook version of The Birthing Tree is narrated by the Julia Davis.
Listening to The Birthing Tree so soon after I had finished reading the ebook added another layer to the characters in this novel.
I enjoyed revisiting Aliet, Keju, John, Ben and Sally.
Highly recommended! (Please also see my main review of this unforgettable novel.)
My thanks to Amanda Peters, HarperCollins Canada Audio and NetGalley for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2026
🍁🇨🇦—Another gorgeous Indigenous novel—this one about the women who assist with births at The Birthing Tree. The tree holds memories of the thousands of women who have given birth against the tree over the centuries in the traditional way of the Mi’kmaq. It takes place in rural Nova Scotia from early in the 20th century until the 1990s.
This is Peters’ second novel and her first novel—The Berry Pickers—is seamlessly mentioned at least a couple of times, considering the two stories share a timeline. It was a lovely surprise to read a little about the overlap.
The Birthing Tree is an absolutely beautiful story that I recommend wholeheartedly!!
5 “We–are–all–guests–on–this–land–—–nobody–owns–her” stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is Peters’ second novel and her first novel—The Berry Pickers—is seamlessly mentioned at least a couple of times, considering the two stories share a timeline. It was a lovely surprise to read a little about the overlap.
The Birthing Tree is an absolutely beautiful story that I recommend wholeheartedly!!
5 “We–are–all–guests–on–this–land–—–nobody–owns–her” stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars
I absolutely loved The Berry Pickers so I am delighted to have received this arc from the publishers.
The ancient oak tree holds their stories, their traditions, and knowing your past means you know who you are.
Aliet is born under the sacred birthing tree where many indigenous Mi’kmaw women also give birth. Her mother dies giving life to Aliet and she is raised by her grandmother Kiju, as to who her father is, that remains a mystery. Kiju has a wealth of medical knowledge passed on by previous generations and is an unofficial midwife in the community but times are changing and modern medicine and attitudes alter everything.
Decades later, nurse Aliet returns to the home she is born in when Kiju dies and she is determined to reconnect to her Mi’kmaw heritage and in the process, learn about herself. The story is told in dual timelines which flows naturally and fluidly from one to the other.
This is a wonderful story which is beautifully told and the bond between Aliet and her grandmother tugs at the heartstrings. Parts of the storytelling are very moving and emotional and the pain of the injustice of dismissal of traditions is palpable and when everything these women hold dear is in jeopardy. This is counterbalanced by the deep relationships that denote who you are and give characters especially Aliet a sense of identity. The novel incorporates issues the Mi’kmaw face, the blinkered thinking, the prejudice, the disrespect given to tradition and suspicion and at these times, there is considerable tension. On the other hand, there are deep and lasting friendships that are formed over many years which gives Aliet the stability and healing that she needs.
I absolutely love the tradition of the birthing tree and am fascinated by indigenous traditions so this book is definitely in my wheelhouse. There are (mostly) wonderful characters that grace the pages, taking me on an emotional journey of love, friendship, grief, pain, resilience and identity. It’s a powerful book in an atmospheric setting and although I don’t love it quite as much as the authors previous novel, it’s still one I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
I absolutely loved The Berry Pickers so I am delighted to have received this arc from the publishers.
The ancient oak tree holds their stories, their traditions, and knowing your past means you know who you are.
Aliet is born under the sacred birthing tree where many indigenous Mi’kmaw women also give birth. Her mother dies giving life to Aliet and she is raised by her grandmother Kiju, as to who her father is, that remains a mystery. Kiju has a wealth of medical knowledge passed on by previous generations and is an unofficial midwife in the community but times are changing and modern medicine and attitudes alter everything.
Decades later, nurse Aliet returns to the home she is born in when Kiju dies and she is determined to reconnect to her Mi’kmaw heritage and in the process, learn about herself. The story is told in dual timelines which flows naturally and fluidly from one to the other.
This is a wonderful story which is beautifully told and the bond between Aliet and her grandmother tugs at the heartstrings. Parts of the storytelling are very moving and emotional and the pain of the injustice of dismissal of traditions is palpable and when everything these women hold dear is in jeopardy. This is counterbalanced by the deep relationships that denote who you are and give characters especially Aliet a sense of identity. The novel incorporates issues the Mi’kmaw face, the blinkered thinking, the prejudice, the disrespect given to tradition and suspicion and at these times, there is considerable tension. On the other hand, there are deep and lasting friendships that are formed over many years which gives Aliet the stability and healing that she needs.
I absolutely love the tradition of the birthing tree and am fascinated by indigenous traditions so this book is definitely in my wheelhouse. There are (mostly) wonderful characters that grace the pages, taking me on an emotional journey of love, friendship, grief, pain, resilience and identity. It’s a powerful book in an atmospheric setting and although I don’t love it quite as much as the authors previous novel, it’s still one I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
September 8, 2026
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amanda Peters has quickly become one of those authors I'll read without even looking at the synopsis. The Birthing Tree is a beautiful, moving novel that feels deeply rooted in place, family, and the stories that connect generations.
The Birthing Tree is set in Nova Scotia and follows generations of women whose lives are connected through ancestral traditions, exploring identity, family, and the lasting impact of history through dual timelines.
Having previously loved The Berry Pickers, I noticed several themes that have become hallmarks of Amanda Peters' writing. Once again, she draws on her Mi'kmaq heritage to thoughtfully explore identity, marginalization, discrimination, coming of age, and the ways the past continues to shape future generations. Yet this never felt repetitive. Instead, it felt like another deeply personal story told from a different angle.
What especially stood out to me was the exploration of women's autonomy in childbirth. Peters beautifully illustrates how the Mi'kmaq people honored a woman's right to choose her own birthing experience long before European settlement. The traditions surrounding birth serve as powerful symbols of trust, community, and the passing of knowledge from elders to younger women. The novel also thoughtfully considers what happens when those traditions meet modern medicine, asking what is gained, what is lost, and who gets to decide. I found those sections especially moving.
Nova Scotia came alive on the page, and the setting felt every bit as important as the characters themselves. The land, the changing seasons, and the deep connection between people and place created an atmosphere that quietly carried the entire novel.
One of my favorite parts was the ending. While I admired The Berry Pickers, I wished for something different in its conclusion. The Birthing Tree delivered exactly that for me. The main character was allowed to remain beautifully flawed, and the ending honored her choices, experiences, and humanity without forcing a resolution that felt too neat. It was deeply satisfying and emotionally true to the story.
Perfect for readers who love literary fiction, multigenerational family stories, Indigenous literature, and novels that linger long after the final page. If you're looking for the perfect book to begin your fall reading season, I can't recommend this one highly enough.
Amanda Peters has quickly become one of those authors I'll read without even looking at the synopsis. The Birthing Tree is a beautiful, moving novel that feels deeply rooted in place, family, and the stories that connect generations.
The Birthing Tree is set in Nova Scotia and follows generations of women whose lives are connected through ancestral traditions, exploring identity, family, and the lasting impact of history through dual timelines.
Having previously loved The Berry Pickers, I noticed several themes that have become hallmarks of Amanda Peters' writing. Once again, she draws on her Mi'kmaq heritage to thoughtfully explore identity, marginalization, discrimination, coming of age, and the ways the past continues to shape future generations. Yet this never felt repetitive. Instead, it felt like another deeply personal story told from a different angle.
What especially stood out to me was the exploration of women's autonomy in childbirth. Peters beautifully illustrates how the Mi'kmaq people honored a woman's right to choose her own birthing experience long before European settlement. The traditions surrounding birth serve as powerful symbols of trust, community, and the passing of knowledge from elders to younger women. The novel also thoughtfully considers what happens when those traditions meet modern medicine, asking what is gained, what is lost, and who gets to decide. I found those sections especially moving.
Nova Scotia came alive on the page, and the setting felt every bit as important as the characters themselves. The land, the changing seasons, and the deep connection between people and place created an atmosphere that quietly carried the entire novel.
One of my favorite parts was the ending. While I admired The Berry Pickers, I wished for something different in its conclusion. The Birthing Tree delivered exactly that for me. The main character was allowed to remain beautifully flawed, and the ending honored her choices, experiences, and humanity without forcing a resolution that felt too neat. It was deeply satisfying and emotionally true to the story.
Perfect for readers who love literary fiction, multigenerational family stories, Indigenous literature, and novels that linger long after the final page. If you're looking for the perfect book to begin your fall reading season, I can't recommend this one highly enough.
September 22, 2026
THE BIRTHING TREE by Amanda Peters [Thanks to @catapult for the gifted copy.]
I loved Amanda Peters debut, The Berry Pickers, so was eager to read her second novel, The Birthing Tree. In both, the main characters are from the Mi’kmaw nation, living in Canada’s Nova Scotia province. Aliet Paul, had a sad start to life, as her mother died during her birth. She was raised by her loving grandmother who was herself a midwife, providing traditional, calm births to the women of her tribe under a large, beautiful oak tree.
The story follows two timelines. The first took place in the 60’s and 70’s and covered Aliet as she was growing from a child to a young woman, learning more about her people and more of her grandmother’s rich traditions. In the second, Aliet is in her 40’s and grieving the loss of her grandmother, while also reliving her past and longing for a more authentic life.
While the premise of The Birthing Tree seemed like one that would work well for me, somehow the execution just didn’t wow me. Personally, I had two main issues. To begin, I could see where the story was going at every turn and the places it went were too familiar. This caused the entire story to be without tension which was my second problem. It wasn’t a hard story to stick with; it was able to hold my interest, but I always felt what it seemed to be lacking. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I loved Amanda Peters debut, The Berry Pickers, so was eager to read her second novel, The Birthing Tree. In both, the main characters are from the Mi’kmaw nation, living in Canada’s Nova Scotia province. Aliet Paul, had a sad start to life, as her mother died during her birth. She was raised by her loving grandmother who was herself a midwife, providing traditional, calm births to the women of her tribe under a large, beautiful oak tree.
The story follows two timelines. The first took place in the 60’s and 70’s and covered Aliet as she was growing from a child to a young woman, learning more about her people and more of her grandmother’s rich traditions. In the second, Aliet is in her 40’s and grieving the loss of her grandmother, while also reliving her past and longing for a more authentic life.
While the premise of The Birthing Tree seemed like one that would work well for me, somehow the execution just didn’t wow me. Personally, I had two main issues. To begin, I could see where the story was going at every turn and the places it went were too familiar. This caused the entire story to be without tension which was my second problem. It wasn’t a hard story to stick with; it was able to hold my interest, but I always felt what it seemed to be lacking. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
September 3, 2026
I read Amanda Peters first book The Berry Pickers earlier this year and absolutely loved it. I was super excited to read The Birthing Tree, which again reflects on the steep Mi'kmaq history.
The ancient oak, "The Birthing Tree", holds the memory of generations, a reminder that to know where you came from is to know who you are. Born beneath its sacred canopy, Aliet enters a world her mother leaves in the same breath. Raised by her grandmother Kiju, a guardian of traditional medicine and unsanctioned midwifery, Aliet grows up with an absent father and an uncertain heritage. But as modern medicine encroaches on their secluded community, Kiju's ancestral knowledge faces an unprecedented reckoning.
There is a mystery involved, love gained and lossed, and finding out what family really is underneath this tree. It's about traditions and the lengths we will go to preserve them for future generations.
While this book wasn't as powerful as her first, I just love Peters writing. She writes with emotional depth and I will read anything she writes next!!!
The ancient oak, "The Birthing Tree", holds the memory of generations, a reminder that to know where you came from is to know who you are. Born beneath its sacred canopy, Aliet enters a world her mother leaves in the same breath. Raised by her grandmother Kiju, a guardian of traditional medicine and unsanctioned midwifery, Aliet grows up with an absent father and an uncertain heritage. But as modern medicine encroaches on their secluded community, Kiju's ancestral knowledge faces an unprecedented reckoning.
There is a mystery involved, love gained and lossed, and finding out what family really is underneath this tree. It's about traditions and the lengths we will go to preserve them for future generations.
While this book wasn't as powerful as her first, I just love Peters writing. She writes with emotional depth and I will read anything she writes next!!!
Want to Read
March 23, 2026I love when an author's catalog has cohesive covers <3
September 6, 2026
I appreciated the culture and tradition and the birthing tree but something fell flat for me.
Want to Read
July 26, 2026✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: 𝘱𝘳𝘦-𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘶𝘱𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 :･ﾟ✧:･ﾟ✧
ARC received ✨ Won a giveaway!
Thank you HarperCollins Canada for the arc copy!
Full thoughts coming soon 💫
ARC received ✨ Won a giveaway!
Thank you HarperCollins Canada for the arc copy!
Full thoughts coming soon 💫
September 5, 2026
5 stars - excellent
April 26, 2026
I really loved The Berry Pickers so I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy of Amanda Peters new novel.
Aliet Paul was raised by her grandmother, Kiju, a Canadian native Mi'kmaq woman who was the town's midwife. Tradition dictated that the women she helped would give birth at the birthing tree, a majestic tree that they believed held the stories of all those who birthed at the tree. As time progresses, the old ways give way to more traditional medicine, and Kiju is forbidden from midwifery; the birthing tree becomes just another tree in a dense forest. When Kiju dies, Aliet returns home to a crumbling house and secrets that were left by Kiju.
This book was so beautifully written. Amanda Peters does such a wonderful job of telling the story and developing the characters in such a way that you feel fortunate to have known them. It wasn't a long novel - just at 300 pages - but each page was intentionally written to add important elements to the story. There were so many nuggets of wisdom from Kuji that I loved.
"We need to hold on to the threads that connect us to our past. Without knowing our past, we won't know who we are."
"Violence, whether with words or hands, is always a bad idea. But boy, did that feel good."
"It's a greedy thing, grief. You have to sit with it, let it do what it does, and then rise up and keep going."
The book was told in dual timelines - Aliet's childhood and teen years, and the present day. Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn't. This one worked very well because the historical story really informed the present day. And to be honest, both stories could have stood on their own; both had just the right amount of suspense to keep me interested. The book took me through a wide range of emotions - nostalgia for my grandmother and simpler times, grief at lost family members, excitement for new babies. It was so very well done.
This book has taken a well-deserved place in my list of top 2026 reads. 5 ⭐s!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Catapult, Counterpoint Press, and Soft Skull Press for an advanced copy of this novel. It's scheduled to be published on September 1, 2026.
Aliet Paul was raised by her grandmother, Kiju, a Canadian native Mi'kmaq woman who was the town's midwife. Tradition dictated that the women she helped would give birth at the birthing tree, a majestic tree that they believed held the stories of all those who birthed at the tree. As time progresses, the old ways give way to more traditional medicine, and Kiju is forbidden from midwifery; the birthing tree becomes just another tree in a dense forest. When Kiju dies, Aliet returns home to a crumbling house and secrets that were left by Kiju.
This book was so beautifully written. Amanda Peters does such a wonderful job of telling the story and developing the characters in such a way that you feel fortunate to have known them. It wasn't a long novel - just at 300 pages - but each page was intentionally written to add important elements to the story. There were so many nuggets of wisdom from Kuji that I loved.
"We need to hold on to the threads that connect us to our past. Without knowing our past, we won't know who we are."
"Violence, whether with words or hands, is always a bad idea. But boy, did that feel good."
"It's a greedy thing, grief. You have to sit with it, let it do what it does, and then rise up and keep going."
The book was told in dual timelines - Aliet's childhood and teen years, and the present day. Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn't. This one worked very well because the historical story really informed the present day. And to be honest, both stories could have stood on their own; both had just the right amount of suspense to keep me interested. The book took me through a wide range of emotions - nostalgia for my grandmother and simpler times, grief at lost family members, excitement for new babies. It was so very well done.
This book has taken a well-deserved place in my list of top 2026 reads. 5 ⭐s!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Catapult, Counterpoint Press, and Soft Skull Press for an advanced copy of this novel. It's scheduled to be published on September 1, 2026.
September 28, 2026
Told in interwoven dual timelines this story was completely captivating.
In 1955 Aliet's mother dies in childbirth beneath the birthing tree, where Indigenous women have given birth for many years. Aliet's grandmother Kiju, the local midwife, has successfully helped in the birth of babies under that very tree for what seems like forever. Yet tragedy strikes her own daughter while in her care.
Aliet is then raised by her grandmother and becomes her apprentice in midwifery and Indigenous medicine. When Aliet grows older she decides to leave home and become a nurse of modern medicine.
Years later when Kiju passes away Aliet returns home to a house in ruins and the memories she thought she had left behind. She also realizes that to start a new life there again she must come to terms with an old family secret and the grief of her past.
Narrator Julia Davis is superb!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Canada Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
In 1955 Aliet's mother dies in childbirth beneath the birthing tree, where Indigenous women have given birth for many years. Aliet's grandmother Kiju, the local midwife, has successfully helped in the birth of babies under that very tree for what seems like forever. Yet tragedy strikes her own daughter while in her care.
Aliet is then raised by her grandmother and becomes her apprentice in midwifery and Indigenous medicine. When Aliet grows older she decides to leave home and become a nurse of modern medicine.
Years later when Kiju passes away Aliet returns home to a house in ruins and the memories she thought she had left behind. She also realizes that to start a new life there again she must come to terms with an old family secret and the grief of her past.
Narrator Julia Davis is superb!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Canada Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
September 4, 2026
4.5 rounded up. It is my first book by Amanda Peters, but I'll be reading her other books for sure. Her writing is just...Beautiful! The Birthing Tree was an experience. I appreciated how culture and traditions were represented and talked about, and put into perspective by the main character becoming a nurse but still coming back to her roots. The characters were so well described, all so unique that I'll miss them. I'm so grateful for this story. The audio narrator did an amazing job bringing it to life!
Thank you, Netgalley and HarperCollins Canada Audio , for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Thank you, Netgalley and HarperCollins Canada Audio , for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
September 18, 2026
Am I the only person who believes this was a hastily put together first draft? The repetition, the re-using of the same words to describe things, the continuity errors (e.g..in one paragraph they are eating boiled potatoes and several paragraphs later the potatoes are mashed). I enjoyed the Berry Pickers very much, and was excited to begin this book, but I'm probably going to stop at 32% in because the clumsiness of the writing, the heavy handedness of the clues about what is to happen, and the sloppiness are driving me crazy. I know publishers can pressure authors to get things out to capitalize on earlier success, but jeez...
August 26, 2026
3.5
Thank you to @prhaudio for the gifted ALC. I quite enjoyed the audio experience read by Julia Davis.
This is a coming of age story of Aliet who’s raised by her grandmother in Nova Scotia. The Birthing Tree is often referenced in regards to traditions of the indigenous peoples and the value they gathered from it. This is countered by others who don’t understand the history, culture, and importance of it. We see through Aliet’s eyes how times are changing, (but aren’t they always)!
Secrets are hidden and discovered, love is lost and found, and learning to stand up for what is right is emphasized in this story of her life.
I thought the story was fine, but I found myself wanting for a stronger plot and/or a connection to the characters. When something big happened and I should have felt emotional about it, I didn’t at all. By the end, I was bored. Sadly. I really enjoyed the Berry Pickers and I think that had more intrigue, discovery, and mystery that pulled me in more than this one.
Thank you to @prhaudio for the gifted ALC. I quite enjoyed the audio experience read by Julia Davis.
This is a coming of age story of Aliet who’s raised by her grandmother in Nova Scotia. The Birthing Tree is often referenced in regards to traditions of the indigenous peoples and the value they gathered from it. This is countered by others who don’t understand the history, culture, and importance of it. We see through Aliet’s eyes how times are changing, (but aren’t they always)!
Secrets are hidden and discovered, love is lost and found, and learning to stand up for what is right is emphasized in this story of her life.
I thought the story was fine, but I found myself wanting for a stronger plot and/or a connection to the characters. When something big happened and I should have felt emotional about it, I didn’t at all. By the end, I was bored. Sadly. I really enjoyed the Berry Pickers and I think that had more intrigue, discovery, and mystery that pulled me in more than this one.
October 1, 2026
The Birthing Tree
**Thank you to @prhaudio for the gifted audiobook. #PRHAudioPartner
Title: The Birthing Tree
Author: Amanda Peters
Format: Audio 🎧
Narrator: Julia Ulayok Davis
Running time: 10hr 1 min
Pub date: Sept 1, 2026
Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Aliet Paul, is born beneath a sacred Mi’kmaq birthing tree outside a small Nova Scotia town. Her mother dies during her birth, so Aliet is raised her grandmother, Kiju. Kiju is a midwife and keeper of Indigenous medicinal wisdom.
This story is told in dual time lines. One timeline revolves around Aliet’s childhood in the 1960s-1970s. The other timeline revolves around Aliet’s adulthood in the 1990s, as Aliet returns home upon her Kiju’s death. She returns home to find a suffering community and the old birthing tree neglected. Upon returning, Aliet is forced to decide what path she wants her life to take.
This was a quietly, beautiful story about lineage, love, loss, family legacy, Indigenous knowledge, and tradition. I enjoyed Aliet’s personal growth throughout this story. She is a person that has never felt like she belonged. I was happy to see her settle into who she was supposed to be.
There is also a tie-in to The Berry Pickers novel, which I enjoyed. However, it can be read as a standalone.
🎧Julia Ulayok Davis did a wonderful job narrating this atmospheric story. I highly recommend the audio format.
**Thank you to @prhaudio for the gifted audiobook. #PRHAudioPartner
Title: The Birthing Tree
Author: Amanda Peters
Format: Audio 🎧
Narrator: Julia Ulayok Davis
Running time: 10hr 1 min
Pub date: Sept 1, 2026
Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Aliet Paul, is born beneath a sacred Mi’kmaq birthing tree outside a small Nova Scotia town. Her mother dies during her birth, so Aliet is raised her grandmother, Kiju. Kiju is a midwife and keeper of Indigenous medicinal wisdom.
This story is told in dual time lines. One timeline revolves around Aliet’s childhood in the 1960s-1970s. The other timeline revolves around Aliet’s adulthood in the 1990s, as Aliet returns home upon her Kiju’s death. She returns home to find a suffering community and the old birthing tree neglected. Upon returning, Aliet is forced to decide what path she wants her life to take.
This was a quietly, beautiful story about lineage, love, loss, family legacy, Indigenous knowledge, and tradition. I enjoyed Aliet’s personal growth throughout this story. She is a person that has never felt like she belonged. I was happy to see her settle into who she was supposed to be.
There is also a tie-in to The Berry Pickers novel, which I enjoyed. However, it can be read as a standalone.
🎧Julia Ulayok Davis did a wonderful job narrating this atmospheric story. I highly recommend the audio format.
September 8, 2026
4.25 stars. 📖🎧
September 12, 2026
Peters has definitely earned the honor of “if she writes it, i will read it” in my world. I adored Berry Pickers & this follow up novel did not disappoint. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Birthing Tree tells us the story of Aliet, a Mi’kmaq woman, who goes back to her childhood home following the death of her grandmother, Kiju. Through flashbacks, we get to see Aliet’s childhood and teenage years, her grandmother’s fierce attempts to hold onto their indigenous traditions, and the tragic events that led to Aliet leaving home.
This is a story about family, generational trauma, love, grief, healing, and forgiveness.
That being said, the historical and racial elements were interesting, but not explored deeply enough, in my opinion. Aliet said they lived in a Mi’kmaq community, but we never get to see or meet this community. The two characters seem to exist in a vacuum, except when friends from out of town come to visit. The indigenous traditions and customs are limited to birthing and some medicinal practices, but other than that and the racism the characters experience, we don’t see much about what it means to me Mi’kmaq.
Miriam and Susan, Aliet’s two friends, were tragically underdeveloped and underwhelming, considering they ended up playing a significant role in the story. We are told that Susan and Aliet were childhood friends, but Susan is barely mentioned in the flashbacks and she’s rarely a part of Aliet’s key moments, like her attack or her first boyfriend and subsequent heartbreak. Their reunion after 20+ years and the way they so quickly become friends again seems unearned. Similarly, we have a brief moment where Aliet and Miriam bond a little over their connection to midwifery, and then they’re suddenly such good friends that Miriam comes over in the middle of the night whenever Aliet needs her to, and even wants to move in at some point. We learn basically nothing about the two women, their backgrounds, their motivation, their feelings, etc.
As for William, he was just a plot device to get us the full circle moment that was very clearly coming.
This is a story about family, generational trauma, love, grief, healing, and forgiveness.
That being said, the historical and racial elements were interesting, but not explored deeply enough, in my opinion. Aliet said they lived in a Mi’kmaq community, but we never get to see or meet this community. The two characters seem to exist in a vacuum, except when friends from out of town come to visit. The indigenous traditions and customs are limited to birthing and some medicinal practices, but other than that and the racism the characters experience, we don’t see much about what it means to me Mi’kmaq.
Miriam and Susan, Aliet’s two friends, were tragically underdeveloped and underwhelming, considering they ended up playing a significant role in the story. We are told that Susan and Aliet were childhood friends, but Susan is barely mentioned in the flashbacks and she’s rarely a part of Aliet’s key moments, like her attack or her first boyfriend and subsequent heartbreak. Their reunion after 20+ years and the way they so quickly become friends again seems unearned. Similarly, we have a brief moment where Aliet and Miriam bond a little over their connection to midwifery, and then they’re suddenly such good friends that Miriam comes over in the middle of the night whenever Aliet needs her to, and even wants to move in at some point. We learn basically nothing about the two women, their backgrounds, their motivation, their feelings, etc.
As for William, he was just a plot device to get us the full circle moment that was very clearly coming.
July 3, 2026
It's hard to imagine reading a better fiction in 2026!! The Birthing Tree is steeped in family, grief, and tradition. I'm a sucker for a dual timeline, which Peters does so well.
It's devastating to read about how Indigenous practices and wisdom were systematically erased, but also so necessary.
I think anyone could read this book and would find something to love about it!!
Best book of 2026??
It's devastating to read about how Indigenous practices and wisdom were systematically erased, but also so necessary.
I think anyone could read this book and would find something to love about it!!
Best book of 2026??
September 19, 2026
I loved this book. I like Peters' The Berry Pickers, and this one is similarly well done. The writing is paced and heart-felt, the characters are wonderfully developed with relevant side-stories that help you understand them in meaningful ways. The story is centered around a Mi'kmaw woman and the relationship she has with her grandmother, specifically the life they lead on the outskirts of town where many other Indigenous families live. The story focuses on the meaning of family and tradition, the value of being loved and seeing and appreciating what that means. There are moments of frustration due to injustices and racism, bullying and abuse, and women’s rights to making decisions about their reproductive health. And there's a point made regarding the balance between protecting someone from a certain painful truth versus creating a situation that feels dishonest.
I like Peters' writing style, the way the story unfolds as it refers to current day and then goes back to a time when the main character was a little girl and the community she was a part of, the beautiful and ugly things that she bore witness to, and how the story comes together in the end. Loved it and very much recommend.
I like Peters' writing style, the way the story unfolds as it refers to current day and then goes back to a time when the main character was a little girl and the community she was a part of, the beautiful and ugly things that she bore witness to, and how the story comes together in the end. Loved it and very much recommend.
September 12, 2026
This was a good book but it was a bit slow in sections.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
-Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.-
I really wanted to love this book but by 52% I still did not care about any of the characters or their story.
The writing style is objectively beautiful and emotional but I think it spent too much time trying to make every sentence "pretty" and not enough time making us care about the characters.
I enjoyed the tradition aspect of the story, learning about traditional cultures and ways of living/believing and I do think it raises great questions about modern vs traditional medicine.
I don't think the dual timeline was well executed (tho I appreciate the idea) and it made me feel kinda of disconnected from the narrative line as we didn't spend enough time with either the past characters or the presents ones to have a reason of liking them.
All in all, I think there should have been more time fleshing out the characters around the MC and less time making perfect sentences.
I really wanted to love this book but by 52% I still did not care about any of the characters or their story.
The writing style is objectively beautiful and emotional but I think it spent too much time trying to make every sentence "pretty" and not enough time making us care about the characters.
I enjoyed the tradition aspect of the story, learning about traditional cultures and ways of living/believing and I do think it raises great questions about modern vs traditional medicine.
I don't think the dual timeline was well executed (tho I appreciate the idea) and it made me feel kinda of disconnected from the narrative line as we didn't spend enough time with either the past characters or the presents ones to have a reason of liking them.
All in all, I think there should have been more time fleshing out the characters around the MC and less time making perfect sentences.
September 1, 2026
Happy release day to Amanda Peters!
I was lucky enough to receive an e-ARC of The Birthing Tree, so first of all, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Now, before getting into the actual review, let me give you the unnecessarily long backstory.
I had never read anything by Amanda Peters before, but a few months ago I borrowed The Berry Pickers from my public library after hearing so many good things about it. Of course, by the time I got the book, I was in a reading slump and had to return it unread. I kept thinking about it, though, so when I saw The Birthing Tree on NetGalley, I crossed my fingers and requested it. And here we are. A full-circle moment that probably didn't need this much explanation.
Anyway, I finally read Amanda Peters, and I can say it won't be my last book by her.
I really enjoyed The Birthing Tree. It’s a powerful story about women, Indigenous culture, family, and trying to figure out who you are when so much of your own history has been kept from you.
Aliet is the main protagonist and the center of everything. I followed her from childhood into adulthood, moving between her younger years and her life in 1997. I liked the way the timelines were put together because the past isn't simply presented in order. I got pieces of it as the story went on, while her present life gave me little clues about what happened before. This fueled my urge to keep reading because I needed to know what had happened in those missing years.
Aliet is born beneath the Birthing Tree, a place sacred to generations of Mi’kmaw women. Her mother dies giving birth to her, her father is a mystery, and she grows up with her grandmother Kiju, a Mi’kmaw midwife. Kiju was probably my favorite character. She’s had a difficult life but still manages to raise Aliet with so much love. Through her, I was able to see Mi’kmaw traditions and the knowledge passed down through generations, especially around birth and healing.
Then comes the outside world, dismissing these practices as barbaric, dangerous, or simply wrong because they don't fit into the version of “progress” being imposed on the community. And that made me angry. There were several moments when I wanted to punch someone. But no violence, guys.
I actually thought about The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon while reading this. The stories are different but both have midwives at their center and explore what happens when women's knowledge is questioned or dismissed by the people and institutions around them. I find the role of midwives fascinating, especially the way this knowledge was traditionally passed between women and yet was so often treated as "inferior". And Kiju was such a strong example of the value of those traditions, which is why it was even sadder to watch Aliet lose faith in everything she had grown up with. But after everything she goes through, I really can't blame her for questioning it all and trying to find another path.
All that to say, it wasn't always an easy read. There is a lot of grief, loss, and generational trauma. I obviously got emotional many times. But there is also so much love shown in this book between women, friends, family, and within a community.
By the end, I think what Aliet has to figure out isn't simply where she came from but what she wants to carry forward. Your past is part of you, but so are the people who raised you, the things you learned, your culture, your choices, and the life you've built yourself.
Final thoughts: this made me sad and angry but it also gave me a lot to think about (as always with historical novels). And after everything Aliet went through, I was glad the story gave her a little bit of hope too.
“She may think that tragedy has imprinted on her. But joy also follows her. She will learn to embrace the joy with the sorrow.”
I was lucky enough to receive an e-ARC of The Birthing Tree, so first of all, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Now, before getting into the actual review, let me give you the unnecessarily long backstory.
I had never read anything by Amanda Peters before, but a few months ago I borrowed The Berry Pickers from my public library after hearing so many good things about it. Of course, by the time I got the book, I was in a reading slump and had to return it unread. I kept thinking about it, though, so when I saw The Birthing Tree on NetGalley, I crossed my fingers and requested it. And here we are. A full-circle moment that probably didn't need this much explanation.
Anyway, I finally read Amanda Peters, and I can say it won't be my last book by her.
I really enjoyed The Birthing Tree. It’s a powerful story about women, Indigenous culture, family, and trying to figure out who you are when so much of your own history has been kept from you.
Aliet is the main protagonist and the center of everything. I followed her from childhood into adulthood, moving between her younger years and her life in 1997. I liked the way the timelines were put together because the past isn't simply presented in order. I got pieces of it as the story went on, while her present life gave me little clues about what happened before. This fueled my urge to keep reading because I needed to know what had happened in those missing years.
Aliet is born beneath the Birthing Tree, a place sacred to generations of Mi’kmaw women. Her mother dies giving birth to her, her father is a mystery, and she grows up with her grandmother Kiju, a Mi’kmaw midwife. Kiju was probably my favorite character. She’s had a difficult life but still manages to raise Aliet with so much love. Through her, I was able to see Mi’kmaw traditions and the knowledge passed down through generations, especially around birth and healing.
Then comes the outside world, dismissing these practices as barbaric, dangerous, or simply wrong because they don't fit into the version of “progress” being imposed on the community. And that made me angry. There were several moments when I wanted to punch someone. But no violence, guys.
I actually thought about The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon while reading this. The stories are different but both have midwives at their center and explore what happens when women's knowledge is questioned or dismissed by the people and institutions around them. I find the role of midwives fascinating, especially the way this knowledge was traditionally passed between women and yet was so often treated as "inferior". And Kiju was such a strong example of the value of those traditions, which is why it was even sadder to watch Aliet lose faith in everything she had grown up with. But after everything she goes through, I really can't blame her for questioning it all and trying to find another path.
All that to say, it wasn't always an easy read. There is a lot of grief, loss, and generational trauma. I obviously got emotional many times. But there is also so much love shown in this book between women, friends, family, and within a community.
By the end, I think what Aliet has to figure out isn't simply where she came from but what she wants to carry forward. Your past is part of you, but so are the people who raised you, the things you learned, your culture, your choices, and the life you've built yourself.
Final thoughts: this made me sad and angry but it also gave me a lot to think about (as always with historical novels). And after everything Aliet went through, I was glad the story gave her a little bit of hope too.
“She may think that tragedy has imprinted on her. But joy also follows her. She will learn to embrace the joy with the sorrow.”
October 1, 2026
Beautiful portrayal of Mi’kmaw midwives and birthing culture. I loved learning about all the natural medicines and traditions led by women like Kiju, even amidst societal pressures to abandon them in favor of “modern medicine.” I struggled with the plot and considered abandoning it a couple of times— it felt so slow for most of the book, but finally picked up for the last 20%. I’m glad I finished it because the full-circle ending is really beautiful. I still liked the Berry Pickers much better, so I’d start there if you haven’t read Peters’ work.
September 23, 2026
Since when is September the best book release month of the year? This book was a slow start for me, but I was drawn in to the story of one woman and the traditions of generations that came before.
October 1, 2026
OMG! How I love this book - it is so well written, the characters well developed and real. It is about love and grief, family and tradition, and holding onto the past and tradition while moving into the future.
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